Unisa - Site Review:University of South Africa - The University of South Africa, also known as Unisa, was established as the University of the Cape of Good Hope in 1873 as an examining body. It became the University of South Africa in 1916 and under its auspices several colleges in South Africa became autonomous universities. University of South Africa (UNISA) - The largest university in South Africa and one of the largest distance education institutions in the world. University of South Africa - The University of South Africa, also known as Unisa, was established as the University of the Cape of Good Hope in 1873 as an examining body. It became the University of South Africa in 1916 and under its auspices several colleges in South Africa became autonomous universities.